Ashbourne Head museum display at The Gallows Sign St John Street, Ashbourne

What was proposed

The application sought to regularise removal of the Ashbourne Head and display it permanently in the Ashbourne Historical Centre with interpretation.

“The application proposes to formalise the removal of the ‘black head’ figure, hereby referred to as the ‘Ashbourne Head’, and for its permanent display in Ashbourne Historical Centre with relevant and adequate interpretation.”

“The proposal is for the head element of the sign to be displayed in Ashbourne Historical Centre museum, in the Town Centre, close to the sign’s location. The museum already contains a display related to the sign including the original hanging part of the sign which was suspended beneath the head and was removed and replaced by roundels in the corners of the sign structure following a previous application for Listed Building Consent.”

Officer report

The site and its heritage

The gantry sign is attached to a prominent Grade II* listed pub in Ashbourne Conservation Area, and the head was removed in June 2020.

“The Green Man and Blacks Head Pub is a Grade II* listed building located in a prominent position facing onto St. John Street in the centre of the Ashbourne Conservation Area. It dates from the mid-18th century and is of three storeys constructed in red brick with a tiled roof. A rare painted cast iron and timber gantry Inn sign bridges St. John Street, and prior to June 2020 a ‘black head’ figure sat atop the gantry until removed by members of the public.”

“As a Grade II* listed heritage asset, the Green Man and Blacks Head Pub is within the top 8% most significant historic buildings in England. Grade II* listed buildings are regarded as particularly important buildings of ‘more than special interest’.”

Officer report

Earlier sign applications

Earlier applications included approvals and refusals for advertising, projecting signs, alterations and roundel signs at the building.

“There have been numerous applications for planning permission and listed building consent over the years relating to extensions and alterations at the Green Man and Blacks Head Hotel. Applications for signage are given below:”

“Alterations to listed building (Replacement of existing fascia sign and existing amenity signs. Repair and resign existing gallows sign, remove existing timber sign and replace individual timber letters) – Granted 17/10/1990 (Ref. WED/0690/0564/L)”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended listed building consent because museum display with explanation was an acceptable alternative to reinstatement and the loss was justified.

“The proposal submitted within this application to publicly display the ‘Ashbourne Head’ within the Ashbourne Historical Centre alongside adequate interpretation/explanation and other artefacts relating to the ‘Ashbourne Head’ is acceptable and is considered an appropriate alternative to reinstatement and not ‘erase’ an object which is recognised as racially stereotyped iconography.”

“Though it is accepted that the loss of the object as part of the listed building would likely result in some impact upon the historic integrity of the building, the proposed removal is clearly and convincingly justified and is consistent with the aims of the NPPF and Policies PD2 of the Derbyshire Dales Local Plan and AH 1 of the Ashbourne Neighbourhood Plan.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Historic England had no comment, while conservation support recommended approval subject to conditions because removal was clearly and convincingly justified.

“Historic England No comment 19.08.25 No comment on the merits of the application.”

“DDDC Conservation Support 18.12.25 (Summarised) Though it is accepted that the loss of the object as part of the listed building would likely result in some impact upon the historic integrity of the building and the character and appearance of the Conservation Area, the proposed removal is clearly and convincingly justified. On this basis, it is recommended that the application for listed building consent be approved, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Robert Archer and Cllr Gustav Clark spoke in support, while three local residents spoke against the application.

Members’ questions and debate

Members asked about consultation, CCTV, the listing, and ownership before a motion was made to refuse the officer recommendation.

“During questions Members raised a number of issues with those Officers present to include the following:”

“During debate it was moved by Councillor Stuart Lees, seconded by Councillor Dermot Murphy to refuse the Officer recommendation. The reasons for refusal were that the proposal does not meet Local Plan Policy PD2 Protecting the Historic Environment and Policy AH1 of Ashbourne Heritage.”

Minutes

The committee decision

Authority was delegated to grant listed building consent subject to conditions controlling display details, security, future relocation and public display.

“Councillor Neil Buttle moved a motion to accept the Officer recommendation and grant Listed Building Consent, seconded by Councillor Jo Linthwaite.”

“That authority be delegated to the Development Manager or Development Management Team Leader to grant Listed Building Consent, subject to the conditions detailed in section 8.”

Minutes

Conditions on consent

The conditions require approved display and interpretation details, security arrangements, and permission before future relocation or disposal.

“Within 6 months of the date of this consent, precise details of the head sculpture’s location within the Ashbourne Historical Centre, method and means of display (specification of display case and any necessary supports), and details of proposed interpretation shall be…”

“Within 6 months of the date of this consent, a methodology for the continued security of the object shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Any methodology submitted should include details of surveillance (staffing levels and/or CCTV provision) and fire protection measures. The works shall thereafter be undertaken in accordance with the approved details.”

Officer report